New ChatGPT desktop app: Codex, Chat, and Work in one place. I tested Codex vs Claude Code on four real jobs, all four shipped. How to use it, and whether to switch.
The point about owning the system underneath the tool is the one I'd want more people to hear, Jenny: swapping providers stops being a wrench once your skills and second brain live outside either app. Testing it on four real jobs rather than a feature-by-feature comparison tells you far more about whether something actually works. What did you find hardest to make portable between the two?
Love this - I LOVE the Codex desktop app, especially the in-app browser for collaboration, but can't decide if I want to let go of my $100 Claude subscription with Fable. (Why not both, I know, maybe I get there.)
Totally agree that the second brain underneath both is what makes the conversation even possible - whether it's Obsidian or Magpie or Notion, you need to be able to take your context with you.
You named the part that matters, that your context comes with you. The interface pull is real, but the tiebreaker on a real job is which one leaves you less to fix. Run the same task through both and keep whichever needs less cleanup on your own inputs.
This post was very timely! I’ve been curious how others compare Chat vs Claude. I would love to hear more about how and where you build your second brain.
The point about owning the system underneath the tool is the one I'd want more people to hear, Jenny: swapping providers stops being a wrench once your skills and second brain live outside either app. Testing it on four real jobs rather than a feature-by-feature comparison tells you far more about whether something actually works. What did you find hardest to make portable between the two?
This is really good! Thank you so much for this article.
You are very welcome :)
Incredibly useful guide!!
Thank you Joel!!
Love this - I LOVE the Codex desktop app, especially the in-app browser for collaboration, but can't decide if I want to let go of my $100 Claude subscription with Fable. (Why not both, I know, maybe I get there.)
Totally agree that the second brain underneath both is what makes the conversation even possible - whether it's Obsidian or Magpie or Notion, you need to be able to take your context with you.
Totally get your feeling, I'm in the same boat!
Fable is crazy good at strategizing, but I'm reeeally loving Codex interface :D
You named the part that matters, that your context comes with you. The interface pull is real, but the tiebreaker on a real job is which one leaves you less to fix. Run the same task through both and keep whichever needs less cleanup on your own inputs.
I agree with your assessment and how you’ve aligned “ best use” for your needs. Outstanding!
Thank you David! So happy that you enjoyed this one!
This post was very timely! I’ve been curious how others compare Chat vs Claude. I would love to hear more about how and where you build your second brain.
Glad to hear that! Second brain article is in the planning :)